Ruzaigh Gamildien has admitted to contemplating retirement following the sudden souring of relations that has led to an unavoidable parting of ways with Durban City FC.
Gamildien, along with Joslin Kamatuka, is no longer with the KZN-based club due to a disagreement during contract renewal negotiations.
The pair's deals expired at the end of last season, making them free agents.
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Feeling wronged by the club, Gamildien gave KickOff.com an exclusive in which he poured his heart out on the shocking details of his exit.
"Let me take you step by step," says the well-travelled striker.
"The first red flag before we returned was when they let the head coach go. I sensed that something was brewing. However, I stayed positive. We were called into a meeting to discuss new contracts.
"I wasn't happy with the salary offered. I planned to negotiate because I understand that the cost of living in Africa is challenging. Being so far from home, the money needs to make sense.
"When the chairman presented the figure, I asked if I could take a few days to think it over. I needed to consult with my wife because I couldn't make any decisions alone. He agreed and said, 'Okay, I'll see you in a week'," he adds.
The former Royal AM star says he then unfortunately caught the flu and was bedridden the entire week.
"I sent a letter through one of my teammates, as I was officially bedridden by the doctor. Afterward, I explained everything to the chairman, including my illness, because I was still willing to consider their offer.
"To my surprise, I received a response from the chairman saying, 'No, the budget we had allocated you has been given to someone else.'
"When I asked if that meant I had to leave, he confirmed, 'Yes.'
"It feels like this was part of a plan all along. In the meeting, I expressed my concern that it wouldn't be fair for others coming from outside the club to earn more than me, especially since I had been contributing to the team," says Gamildien.
He alleges that upon requesting their clearances, the club refused to provide them, saying they would instead be issued to their new clubs.
"Since that day, we have been ignored. Now I must ask myself if I really want to go through this again. I'm seriously considering retiring.
"This entire situation has come as a big shock. I would understand if I wasn’t performing well, but I have been doing well, and still, I must leave.
"Looking at the new players joining the team, it’s clear they are being offered significantly better salaries than what we were proposed. Many of these players have a history of relegation.
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"I don’t think it's the coach's fault, though, as he has just arrived. I had only one training session with him before, unfortunately, the flu sidelined me," concludes Gamildien.
In the spirit of Fair Play, KickOff.com made a call to club chairman Farook Kadodia.
"Gamaldien has no contract with the club, he is gone, he is no more here. Joslin is on the transfer (list) at the moment. Unless he wants to stay, then we can talk about it," he replied.
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